Better Together - The Rykmans
Kory and Lindsey Rykman keep their customers in good hands while making sure the same is true in their own home.
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How did you both meet? And how did you eventually decide to go into business together?
Kory Rykman: "We met in college at Valdosta State University. I saw Lindsey at one of my soccer games and thought, 'Wow, she might be the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.' Then, as fate would have it, I ran into her at Publix...and the rest is history!"
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day together?
Kory Rykman: "We love going out to eat on Valentine’s Day, so a nice steakhouse is on the horizon. Also, I make it a point to buy flowers and a card for Valentine’s Day."
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you make working together work?
Kory Rykman: "It takes time to get it right, but we specialize in two different parts of the business. Lindsey manages customer service, while I manage sales and marketing. This keeps us always focused on our strengths."
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you manage a business while prioritizing your family?
Kory Rykman: "We maintain the mindset that being busy and having a business is a blessing. That way, it's a positive thing challenging us to step up and overcome. We also prioritize time together. We eat out, use our weekends to recharge and have hobbies."
Better Together - The Ginels
Keith and Niki's dream of owning a local shop together is coming true with the opening of Press Waffle Co. at The Avenue East Cobb.
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How did you both meet? And how did you eventually decide to go into business together?
Niki Ginel: "We met at college in an accounting class. We've always enjoyed talking "shop" together. It’s been nice having each other as a sounding board for complex financial issues we’ve encountered at work. Keith was ready to use his vast experience in his own business and got the whole family excited about Press Waffle Co."
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day together?
Niki Ginel: "We are glad to have our shop finally open! This has been a process that's lasted a couple of years. We hope to serve many couples delicious waffles on Valentine's Day!"
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you make working together work?
Niki Ginel: "We have learned each of us has areas of expertise. In those cases, we trust each other to handle issues without micromanaging."
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you manage a business while prioritizing your family?
Niki Ginel: "Our family comes first. We divide and conquer where we can. We also let our kids be a part of the business. Our oldest, Gianna, helps in the store, and our youngest, Juliet, has helped quite a bit with Instagram videos. "
Better Together - The Kims
Dr. Olivia and Daniel Kim bring a new, holistic approach to therapy to East Cobb at Vive Energy Medicine, where they offer services like acupuncture and JONGBOO Therapy.
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How did you both meet? And how did you eventually decide to go into business together?
Olivia Kim: "When I met Daniel, I was a pre-med student in Korea. After marriage, rather than going to medical school, I worked as an acupuncturist in the US. I've been passionate about treating patients ever since I was a kid. When I decided to open my private clinic, Daniel was happy to help me."
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you make working together work?
Daniel Kim: "I always believed that she is a great doctor. Having the same passion for over 30 years is a rare thing. On top of that, she does JONGBOO Therapy (only available here) in addition to acupuncture. The one missing part was business management, which I have always enjoyed working with."
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you manage a business while prioritizing your family?
Olivia Kim: "It is like a comrade in arms. There is always something coming up, so Daniel and I are strategic. We take turns caring for the kids so one of us can do the other job or get some rest."
Better Together - The Salimis
Driven by a desire to serve the community, Jamie and Ali Salimi started The Auto Accident Attorneys Group.
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How did you both meet? And how did you eventually decide to go into business together?
Jamie Salimi: "We met at a restaurant in Malibu. I had graduated from UCLA, and Ali had just moved to Malibu for law school. We became friends and grew closer as we bonded over stress and destressing!"
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day together?
Jamie Salimi: "A box of chocolates is key in our family! Growing up, my dad would always bring home a box of chocolates for each of his girls. Ali and I carry on that tradition with our two daughters now."
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you make working together work?
Jamie Salimi: "We have found that working together in a demanding field might be easier than having separate careers because when the work is done, we understand what the other has been dealing with."
East Cobb City Lifestyle: How do you manage a business while prioritizing your family?
Jamie Salimi: "My workday begins when our kids are on the school bus. Once they get home from school, they have my undivided attention (and my skills as a chauffeur). We schedule family events on Ali's work calendar, and he makes sure to always be present during family time."
Page 1 Sidebar:
The Rykamn's are two of East Cobb's greatest friends in the insurance business. They are dedicated to building community relationships and meeting customers' needs through Allstate. They know who you trust to care for your most valuable assets matters. Learn more about The Rykman Agency and the coverage they offer at koryrykman.com.
Page 2 Sidebar:
The Ginel's delicious franchise originated as a food truck serving Bryan Lewis's authentic Belgian waffle recipe. Today, the treats consist of fluffy pastry dough, imported Pearl Sugar, and an assortment of sweet and savory toppings that are becoming increasingly available across the county. Thanks to Keith and Niki, East Cobb is next. presswaffleco.com
Page 3 Sidebar:
Just off Johnson Ferry Road, Dr. Olivia H. Choi brings over 12 years of experience to her holistic healing clinic, Vive Energy. Specializing in treating chronic pain, stress, anxiety and other health concerns, she uses unique methods like JONGBOO Therapy (only offered at Vive in the State of Georgia) to deliver exceptional results. Learn more at vive.energy.
Page 4 Sidebar:
Ali and Jamie started Auto Accident Attorneys as a way to use their legal knowledge to get their clients the justice they deserve in personal injury cases. Together, they have recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements and judgments. Get to know them before you need them at theaaagroup.com.